Lamaze

Childbirth Classes

Childbirth classes are designed to teach expectant parents about labor and childbirth. Couples that take childbirth classes are more prepared for childbirth and report a better experience than couples who do not take childbirth classes. The focus of these classes depends on the certifying organization. Classes such as Bradley and Hypnobirthing teach parents the natural side of childbirth and how to get through it with as few interventions as possible. ICEA and Lamaze support natural childbirth, but also teach about hospital interventions. Most hospital teachers are ICEA or Lamaze certified.

Lamaze Institute for Natural Childbirth

The Lamaze childbirth method was started by Dr. Ferdinand Lamaze and has been helping families have a natural childbirth since the 1950s.

The Lamaze Institute supports normal birth. This organization defines normal birth as “nature’s simple plan for birth.” According to the Lamaze International website, “any intervention in [childbirth] no matter how harmless it may seem, may disrupt the precise hormonal shifts and create problems that must be ‘managed’ with medical expertise and equipment.”

Lamaze Childbirth Classes

Lamaze childbirth classes teach about evidence-based care. Evidence-based care supports natural childbirth, since even routine interventions cause more complications than they solve or prevent. Lamaze International believes that when interventions become necessary, care providers should use the least amount of interventions needed.

Instructors will not force you to have a natural childbirth if that is not what you want. However, you will be aware of the pros and cons of interventions before you agree to them. These classes help you make informed decisions during childbirth.

Breathing

The most famous breathing technique is the ‘he…he…he…ho’ everyone sees in movies and television shows. The idea is that it focuses the mother on a simple task, while keeping the partner involved. Some women claim it helps them with contractions, but only if they’ve practiced it with their partner before delivery.

Most laboring women need other comfort techniques such as aromatherapy, massage, birthing ball use, position changes, hot/cold therapy, hydrotherapy, hypnosis/meditation/imagery, or even acupressure to help with childbirth. Many of these comfort techniques are now taught in Lamaze classes. Instructors no longer expect women to have a natural childbirth using only breathing techniques.

What can you Expect from a Childbirth Class?

Most classes run for about 12 hours. You will generally meet about once a week for two hours. Most classes are in hospitals or in medical centers and are scheduled for weekday evenings. Some instructors also offer weekend long classes for six hours a day on Saturdays and Sundays.

Classes will do more than teach breathing techniques. Your instructor will teach you about:

• Normal pregnancy and childbirth including stages of labor and labor symptoms
• What to expect during the postpartum period
• Comfort techniques including relaxation techniques, massage techniques, position changes, and hydrotherapy. Some instructors also have specialties they will teach you about, such as birthing ball techniques.
• Tips and instruction so your partner is helpful during childbirth
• Communication tips for talking with your care provider and nurses
• Complications of childbirth and what to expect
• Interventions in hospital births
• Epidurals and other pharmacological pain relief
• Breastfeeding and newborn care